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Norovirus reported in Cascade County, state says

Montana is seeing an increase in outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses and there are investigations of eight norovirus outbreaks in the last six weeks, Department of Public Health and Human Services officials said Tuesday.

Norovirus reported in Cascade County, state says

HELENA -- Montana is seeing an increase in outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses and there are investigations of eight norovirus outbreaks in the last six weeks, Department of Public Health and Human Services officials said Tuesday.

Cascade County is among the areas where the outbreaks have occurred, officials said.

Outbreaks of norovirus often increase in winter months and this year’s activity is similar to outbreaks seen in 2016. Other than Cascade County, the cases have occurred in Fergus, Flathead, Gallatin, Meagher, Missoula, Silver Bow and Yellowstone counties.

Norovirus, a very contagious virus that can affect anyone, is the most common cause of gastroenteritis nationwide. The average American gets infected with this virus five times in their lifetime.

The usual symptoms of norovirus include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. There is no specific treatment for this illness and most people recover within three days. The illness can last longer and be more severe in young children, older people, or people who have other chronic health conditions.

The virus can spread rapidly between people and through contaminated food or water. Norovirus can survive on surfaces and be transferred to other people when they touch the contaminated surface.

“Different strains of norovirus can circulate through the state and there is no vaccine,” said Dana Fejes of the DPHHS Communicable Disease Epidemiology Section. “Your best method of prevention is to wash your hands often with soap and water. Once infected, stay hydrated to avoid complications.”

People should stay home when ill and don’t prepare food for others, officials said.

More information is available on the state health department website at: http://dphhs.mt.gov/

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